THE KINGFISHER 
Alcedo ispida 
General plumage a metallic blue; the under parts, lores, 
and ear coverts are bright chestnut ; throat, white; the top 
of the head is a greenish turquoise with darker markings ; 
the back is a brilliant cobalt blue shading into darker 
ultramarine blue on rump and tail; legs, red; eyes, brown. 
Length 7 inches, but individuals vary much. 
In Egypt this bird is common, and would be 
commoner if it were not in some parts relentlessly 
pursued for its brilliant plumes. When at Matariya 
on Lake Menzaleh I heard that the regular price 
was a half piastre (or a penny farthing) per skin, 
and that at that price hundreds were obtained. 
As we at home are not entirely blameless on this 
point much must not be said, but it is nevertheless 
to be regretted, as its brilliant plumage is such a 
valuable addition to the frequently colourless river 
scenery. Wherever there is water both in Upper 
and Lower Egypt this bird will be met with, and 
in the Luxor district it is really common. It is 
a bird that loves some particular spot, and clings 
to some one reach or another, so that where once 
seen it is highly probable to be seen again. It 
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